Green light for Swindon GP surgery after coming up good in CQC visit

Staff at a Swindon GP surgery are celebrating after healthcare inspectors awarded them a near-perfect score across the board.

Victoria Cross Surgery was rated as good overall by officials from the Care Quality Commission following its most recent inspection in April.

The practice, which serves more than 9,000 patients in the Old Town and town centre areas of Swindon, also received good ratings for the five areas that make up the overall rating – safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness and leadership.

In its report, which was made public earlier this month, the CQC praised the practice for the positive way carry out their work and for consistently involving patients in any decision-making that could have a potential impact on how care is delivered at Victoria Cross.

There was also special mention given to the proactive nature of the practice staff, who often went out of their way to identify patients, especially those living with, or at risk of developing a long-term condition, who might benefit from extra support.

Sarah Wilson, Practice Manager, said: “Everybody at Victoria Cross is absolutely delighted to receive such a glowing report from the Care Quality Commission.

“Not only does it show we’re getting it right when it comes to the everyday essentials like patient care and safety, but that we really do value, and listen to, the thoughts and opinions of the very people who use our services each and every day.

“As healthcare staff, it’s our job to help people to live healthy and happy lives, which means we never just respond to the problems that people come to us with, but we use our knowledge and skills to offer help and advice before its needed.”

Victoria Cross Surgery is the latest GP practice in the Swindon area to be awarded good across the board, following on from Abbey Meads and Eldene surgeries, both of which were rated as good in March.

To read the full inspection report from the Care Quality Commission, visit www.cqc.org.uk and search for Victoria Cross Surgery.